Second Harvest: Community-Minded Donors Make Annual Turkey Drives Possible

Generous donors of food and funds make the annual Second Harvest Turkey Drive serving the Mid-Columbia and Yakima Valley possible. Lamb Weston is again the Presenting Sponsor and U-Pull-It Auto Parts is the Matching Sponsor, helping to make sure thousands of our neighbors have a healthy and hearty Thanksgiving dinner during these challenging times.

“When we talk with other food banks across the country, most are envious because we are located in some of the nation’s best bread-and-fruit baskets,” said Jason Clark, president and CEO of Second Harvest. “Especially at this time of year, we are so appreciative that the bounty produced by our region’s ag community is surpassed only by their generosity. They provide the foundation of our ability to help feed those in need.”

“The holidays highlight the comfort and joy that good food brings to us all, and this program makes that accessible to more people,” said Shelby Stoolman, senior director of communication and Lamb Weston Foundation president. “Lamb Weston is proud to partner with Second Harvest in our mission to end hunger. We are thankful for the work they do in the community.”

U-Pull-It Auto Parts will match the first $15,000 in donations to the Second Harvest Turkey Drive again this year. Mark Forcum spoke about their commitment to helping others. “It’s important for us to give back to the communities we serve. It’s rewarding to provide matching funds that will make a bigger impact for struggling families.”

A $30 donation will provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family in need. Donate at 2-harvest.org/turkey or mail to Second Harvest, 5825 Burlington Loop, Pasco WA 99301.

Second Harvest will provide 2,500 Thanksgiving meal boxes that include the ingredients for a holiday meal with all the trimmings, including a turkey, to families in need at the following distributions:

Monday, Nov. 21

Sunnyside – 9-11 a.m. (or while supplies last)
Sunnyview Park, 31211 Yakima Valley Hwy, Sunnyside, 98944
DRIVE-THRU distribution, up to 700 families. Free holiday meal box with a turkey and all the fixings for those in need.
Distribución de comida gratis, de auto-servicio para 700 familias o hasta se acaba. Gratis distribucion – cajas de comida para los dias de festivos con pavo y adornos.

Yakima – 2-4 p.m. (or while supplies last)
State Fair Park, 1301 S. Fair Ave., Gate (15), Yakima, 98901
DRIVE-THRU distribution, up to 700 families. Free holiday meal box with a turkey and all the fixings for those in need.
Distribución de comida gratis, de auto-servicio para 700 familias o hasta se acaba. Gratis distribucion – cajas de comida para los dias de festivos con pavo y adornos.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

Kennewick – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while supplies last)
Benton County Fairgrounds, 1500 S. Oak St. Kennewick, 99336
DRIVE-THRU distribution, up to 1,000 families. Free holiday meal box with a turkey and all the fixings for those in need.
Distribución de comida gratis, de auto-servicio para 1,000 familias o hasta se acaba. Gratis distribucion – cajas de comida para los dias de festivos con pavo y adornos.

In addition, a partnership with Ben Franklin Transit has connected 100 Thanksgiving meal boxes to some other local families in need.

A huge thank you to Lamb Weston and U-Pull-It Auto Parts and all the sponsors and volunteers who make this event possible.